Locals in Coolock, Ireland gathered to protest mass migration outside the construction site of a controversial migrant center on Monday. The site was set ablaze in a suspected arson attack and 12 arrests were made amid the chaos, per The Irish Times. In video footage posted to X, a wall to the site could be seen with "Coolock says no. Out" graffitied in black spray paint.
The crowd totaled around 100 people and consisted of mostly males in their teens and 20s, per the outlet. Around 200 Gardai including 30 in riot gear were deployed to break up the protesters. After their arrival, the protesters reportedly began throwing rocks and other objects and the police responded with pepper spray. Some of the projectiles thrown by protesters included bricks and fireworks, per Barron's.
During the clash, 12 arrests were made and many local businesses were forced to close. The Gardai reported that many of their vehicles were damaged. One person believed to be a security guard for the construction site was reportedly injured.
The protests and fire have delayed construction of the center "for several months," the integration ministry stated. The completed facility is set to be used to accommodate up to 500 migrants. The fire destroyed a mechanical digger and other construction machinery.
The crowd totaled around 100 people and consisted of mostly males in their teens and 20s, per the outlet. Around 200 Gardai including 30 in riot gear were deployed to break up the protesters. After their arrival, the protesters reportedly began throwing rocks and other objects and the police responded with pepper spray. Some of the projectiles thrown by protesters included bricks and fireworks, per Barron's.
During the clash, 12 arrests were made and many local businesses were forced to close. The Gardai reported that many of their vehicles were damaged. One person believed to be a security guard for the construction site was reportedly injured.
“There is a significant Garda presence in place, which includes several Garda Public Order Units,” a spokesperson said. “Several people have been arrested, and are currently in custody at Garda stations in Dublin, pursuant to Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984. The Malahide Road at Coolock is currently closed in both directions, and local diversions are in place. It is the intention to re-open the Malahide Road as soon as it safe to do so. This operation remains ongoing.”
In another video uploaded to social media, police could be seen rising towards a man isolated on a sidewalk near where the protest was taking place. They threw him to the ground and began to hit him even though he did not appear to be violent or resisting.
The protests and fire have delayed construction of the center "for several months," the integration ministry stated. The completed facility is set to be used to accommodate up to 500 migrants. The fire destroyed a mechanical digger and other construction machinery.
